New Shocks for Riding 2 Up?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 415
Likes: 54
From: Dallas
New Shocks for Riding 2 Up?
I have touched on this issue before, but I'm not sure new shocks will fix the problem.
So, on my '13 Ultra the max weight capacity is around 470lbs (best I remember). I'm 6' 220 lbs and my wife is about 5'9" 240 lbs.......you see where I'm going with this.
I can handle the bike just fine solo, but with her on back it's not a fun ride for me. I find myself having problems when coming to a stop and in slow tight cornering. She only rides with me about 20% of the time and I just can't get used to the added weight. I never ride with my tourpak on, but she insists on it being on and it makes a huge difference in the way the bike handles with her and the tourpak on. Yesterday, I went to the local HD dealer and bought a standard sissy bar and backrest pad to put on the 4pt docking mount. We didn't ride, but she sat the bike with the new backrest with me and she said it felt ok. This will help by not having the tourpak on, but I doubt it is going to solve my issues.
I've read about how bad the rear air shocks are, but I'm really not sure if new rear shocks or even front mono tubes will be a significant improvement. I'm sure they would be very noticeable with me solo, but not sure if it'll make a difference in my 2 up issue.
Any thoughts or suggestions would really be appreciated.
So, on my '13 Ultra the max weight capacity is around 470lbs (best I remember). I'm 6' 220 lbs and my wife is about 5'9" 240 lbs.......you see where I'm going with this.
I can handle the bike just fine solo, but with her on back it's not a fun ride for me. I find myself having problems when coming to a stop and in slow tight cornering. She only rides with me about 20% of the time and I just can't get used to the added weight. I never ride with my tourpak on, but she insists on it being on and it makes a huge difference in the way the bike handles with her and the tourpak on. Yesterday, I went to the local HD dealer and bought a standard sissy bar and backrest pad to put on the 4pt docking mount. We didn't ride, but she sat the bike with the new backrest with me and she said it felt ok. This will help by not having the tourpak on, but I doubt it is going to solve my issues.
I've read about how bad the rear air shocks are, but I'm really not sure if new rear shocks or even front mono tubes will be a significant improvement. I'm sure they would be very noticeable with me solo, but not sure if it'll make a difference in my 2 up issue.
Any thoughts or suggestions would really be appreciated.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 172
From: Clarksville, TN
I find myself having problems when coming to a stop and in slow tight cornering. She only rides with me about 20% of the time and I just can't get used to the added weight. I never ride with my tourpak on, but she insists on it being on and it makes a huge difference in the way the bike handles with her and the tourpak on. Yesterday, I went to the local HD dealer and bought a standard sissy bar and backrest pad to put on the 4pt docking mount. We didn't ride, but she sat the bike with the new backrest with me and she said it felt ok. This will help by not having the tourpak on, but I doubt it is going to solve my issues.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
Agree,shocks are his problem.
When i 1st got my 09 flhtcu i had same feeling at times with bike being somewhat of a hand full at times with wife on the back.
But when i took the time to get a riding season under my belt with the wife on the back i got more comfortable with the lrg/hvy in general & learned how to better handle the wt of wife on back with tourpack/bags loaded to where today 90-95%+ of that feeling is gone not being an issue for me anymore.
Scott
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
My passenger and I weigh more than the OP. I have the shocks aired to max. Riding
2-up at that weight just plain sucks, and my wife or kid always want to ride. I just tell them to sit centered and take my time at stops and corners. Other than dropping the pounds, I don't think any new hardware is going to make your ride better. Makes those trikes look attractive...
2-up at that weight just plain sucks, and my wife or kid always want to ride. I just tell them to sit centered and take my time at stops and corners. Other than dropping the pounds, I don't think any new hardware is going to make your ride better. Makes those trikes look attractive...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 48
From: Northern Illinois
You're really talking two different issues here.
As far as ride quality, Ohlins Shocks will make a huge improvement. I have a 2012 Ultra Limited and I usually ride two-up with the wife. I just installed Ohlins 2.5 (adjustable) on the back and the Ohlins FKC-101 Cartridges on the front. I'm still fine tuning the adjustments, but a huge improvement.
As far as feeling comfortable on the bike with the added weight of the Tour Pak and Wife, I highly recommend taking a class, or at the minimum, watching the Ride Like a Pro DVD's.
Remember, at slow parking lot speeds, use the rear brake only, never the front.
As far as ride quality, Ohlins Shocks will make a huge improvement. I have a 2012 Ultra Limited and I usually ride two-up with the wife. I just installed Ohlins 2.5 (adjustable) on the back and the Ohlins FKC-101 Cartridges on the front. I'm still fine tuning the adjustments, but a huge improvement.
As far as feeling comfortable on the bike with the added weight of the Tour Pak and Wife, I highly recommend taking a class, or at the minimum, watching the Ride Like a Pro DVD's.
Remember, at slow parking lot speeds, use the rear brake only, never the front.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 14
From: Texas
I think new Ohlins will absolutely help, especially because Howard will custom build them for your situation. Getting them set up properly will take some effort on your part though.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I can't argue that Ohlins will give a significant improvement to ride quality, however as far as being comfortable with the additional weight is concerned, I put that down to saddle time - together. Mark, you and Mrs M need to get out more often, taking steadily longer rides each time. As the two of you get more used to the experience and relax, all should come together better. By that time you will NEED those Ohlins, so that Mrs M is more comfortable!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
I don't think shocks will fix the issue you are talking about now. I do think lots of seat time with the both of you on the bike will.
Take a 500 mile day trip, or take a 2000 mile week trip, but just take a trip,if you never ride with the tour pack, that is a bigger part of the problem.
Ride with it for a while, then ride with her on back a while, and get used to it.
Take a 500 mile day trip, or take a 2000 mile week trip, but just take a trip,if you never ride with the tour pack, that is a bigger part of the problem.
Ride with it for a while, then ride with her on back a while, and get used to it.
